A major realignment is taking shape in Nigeria’s political landscape as a former All Progressives Congress (APC) support group, led by Ismaila Abu Ishaq, has announced its defection and rebranding as the Coalition for Project Rescue Nigeria 2027, with its full backing now behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Ishaq, who previously served as a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, disclosed the group’s new direction after a strategic meeting with Atiku at his Abuja residence. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, he described the decision as a response to what he termed “the failures of APC leadership,” stressing that the new coalition was a national response to rising insecurity, infrastructure decay, economic hardship, poverty, and hunger.
“We are collapsing our entire structure to support a tested, credible, and visionary leader,” Ishaq declared. “The Coalition for Project Rescue Nigeria 2027 is more than a political movement—it is a national salvation effort to return Nigeria to the path of unity, progress, and prosperity.”
He further highlighted the achievements of the Obasanjo-Atiku administration as a blueprint for future governance, calling it a period marked by tangible development and economic growth.
Atiku Abubakar, in his response, welcomed the coalition’s endorsement and promised to serve as a mentor, especially to Nigerian youths who are passionate about reclaiming the country’s future. He criticized the current administration, lamenting what he described as the squandering of the robust economy handed over by past PDP governments.
“It is disheartening to see how the economic gains of previous PDP administrations have been eroded by the Tinubu-led APC government,” Atiku said. He charged the coalition to remain active in democratic engagements that could lead to the restoration of a stable, thriving, and inclusive Nigeria.
The development adds a new dimension to the political momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, signaling cracks within the APC and a growing rally around Atiku’s potential candidacy.
